The AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) varsity football team will face Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 2 p.m. This matchup is part of the Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 2, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Heritage Academy Gateway vs AZ Compass Prep
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: AZ Compass Prep vs. Heritage Academy Gateway
The Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 2 is heating up, and the highly anticipated playoff matchup between AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) and Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) is set for today at 2 p.m. With both teams enjoying successful seasons, this neutral-site game promises to deliver excitement as they battle for a coveted spot in the next round.
Heritage Academy Gateway: A Solid Season with Key Strengths
Record Overview: Heritage Academy Gateway enters the game with an 8-2 record, posting a .800 win percentage. They have been strong in section play, finishing 2-1, and performed well at home with a 5-1 record. Their away performance (3-1) indicates that they can be competitive on the road, but the neutral-site environment will be a test of their adaptability.
Scoring Breakdown: Heritage Academy Gateway has been a balanced offensive team, averaging 34.3 points per game. Although specific quarter-by-quarter statistics are unavailable, their consistent scoring indicates they have the ability to put up points across the board. However, they will face a tough challenge against AZ Compass Prep’s high-powered offense.
Defense: Defensively, Heritage Academy Gateway has allowed 180 points this season, averaging 18.0 points per game. While their defense has been solid, it will need to improve to contain the high-scoring attack of AZ Compass Prep.
AZ Compass Prep: Undefeated and Dominant
Record Overview: AZ Compass Prep has been nearly unstoppable this season, entering the playoff game with a perfect 10-0 record. With a 7-0 mark in section play, they have been flawless in both conference and overall play, posting a perfect 1.000 win percentage. Their home and away records of 6-0 and 4-0, respectively, further demonstrate their dominance throughout the season.
Scoring Breakdown: AZ Compass Prep has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging a remarkable 43.2 points per game. The team has shown the ability to score early and often, with a perfect 50 points per game in the fourth quarter alone. Their ability to close out games with such a high-scoring output makes them a serious threat in this matchup.
Defense: The team has been equally impressive on defense, allowing only 108 points on the season, an average of 10.8 points per game. This stout defensive performance has been critical in their perfect record, providing a strong foundation to complement their high-powered offense.
Key Comparisons: AZ Compass Prep vs. Heritage Academy Gateway
- Offensive Power: AZ Compass Prep holds a clear advantage in terms of scoring, with an average of 43.2 points per game compared to Heritage Academy Gateway’s 34.3. AZ Compass Prep’s explosive offense, especially in the fourth quarter, will put pressure on Heritage Academy Gateway to keep pace.
- Defensive Dominance: Both teams have solid defenses, but AZ Compass Prep’s defense has been more effective, allowing only 108 points across 10 games. In contrast, Heritage Academy Gateway has allowed 180 points, which could be a factor when facing such a high-powered offense.
- Momentum and Undefeated Record: AZ Compass Prep enters the game as an undefeated team, and their perfect record highlights their dominance this season. Heritage Academy Gateway, while strong, will face a tough challenge against an opponent that has yet to be beaten.
As the season heats up, the matchup between Heritage Academy Gateway and AZ Compass Prep is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have been impressive in the regular season, with standout individual performances and significant team achievements. Here’s an in-depth look at both teams, their key players, offensive and defensive stats, and how they performed against common opponents.
Team Record Breakdown
- Heritage Academy Gateway: With an 8-2 overall record, Heritage Academy Gateway has proven to be a formidable team. Their 2-1 league record shows solid performance within their conference, while their 5-1 non-league record highlights their competitiveness in a variety of matchups. The team has been dominant at home with a 5-1 record, and they also performed well away, boasting a 3-1 record. Heritage Academy Gateway also holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over AZ Compass Prep.
- AZ Compass Prep: AZ Compass Prep is undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record, showcasing their dominance across the board. Their 7-0 league record and 2-0 non-league mark speak to their consistency. They have been especially strong at home, posting a 6-0 record, and have also remained unbeaten on the road with a 4-0 record. Their clean slate includes a 1-0 playoff record, further cementing their reputation as one of the top teams in the state.
Offensive Comparison
- Rushing Yards:
- Heritage Academy Gateway averages 259.7 rushing yards per game, making them a major threat on the ground. Leading the charge is Stratton Ellsworth, who averages 76.0 rushing yards per game.
- AZ Compass Prep also has a strong running game, averaging 182.3 rushing yards per game. Dominic Hawkins has been their top rusher, with 108.7 yards per game, providing a consistent ground attack for the team.
- Passing Yards:
- Heritage Academy Gateway has struggled in the passing game, averaging only 15.2 passing yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Lines leads the team with 16.9 passing yards per game, though the team’s focus remains on the rushing game.
- AZ Compass Prep has a more balanced offensive attack, averaging 119.3 passing yards per game. Cash White has been the standout quarterback, throwing for 143.6 yards per game, making him a key player in their offensive schemes.
- Receiving Yards:
- Heritage Academy Gateway averages 15.2 receiving yards per game, with Oliver Puthoff leading the team with 32.0 receiving yards per game.
- AZ Compass Prep is much more potent in the passing game, with Dominic Hawkins leading the team with 54.8 receiving yards per game, which contributes to their overall offensive success.
- Total Yards:
- Heritage Academy Gateway averages 274.9 total yards per game, largely driven by their dominant rushing attack.
- AZ Compass Prep averages 301.6 total yards per game, showing their well-rounded offensive abilities, mixing both the passing and rushing game effectively.
- Points Per Game:
- Heritage Academy Gateway scores an average of 34.2 points per game, with Stratton Ellsworth contributing 10.2 points per game.
- AZ Compass Prep is more explosive, averaging 39.0 points per game, with Dominic Hawkins accounting for 19.8 points per game, making him a significant scoring threat.
Defensive Comparison
- Tackles:
- Heritage Academy Gateway averages 25.3 tackles per game, with Jonah Bietz leading the team with 5.9 tackles per game.
- AZ Compass Prep is much more aggressive defensively, averaging 37.8 tackles per game. DJ Johnson is the top tackler for the team, recording 6.1 tackles per game.
- Sacks:
- Heritage Academy Gateway averages only 0.4 sacks per game, indicating a less aggressive pass rush.
- AZ Compass Prep has been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, with 1.4 sacks per game, showcasing a stronger defensive front.
- Pancake Blocks:
- AZ Compass Prep excels in the trenches with 35 pancake blocks, highlighting their dominant offensive line play.
- Heritage Academy Gateway does not have recorded pancake block statistics but will need to be strong in the trenches to compete with AZ Compass Prep.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several common opponents, and here’s how they fared:
- Skyline Prep: Heritage Academy Gateway won 36-8 on August 30, while AZ Compass Prep defeated Skyline Prep 36-0 on September 5.
- Learning Foundation & Performing Arts: Heritage Academy Gateway lost 48-38 on September 5, while AZ Compass Prep won 40-20 on October 30 and 42-14 on November 14.
- Maricopa Institute of Technology: Heritage Academy Gateway won 30-0 on September 12, while AZ Compass Prep won 50-12 on October 17.
- Imagine Prep Coolidge: Heritage Academy Gateway won 44-0 on September 19, while AZ Compass Prep won 30-14 on September 26.
- El Dorado: Heritage Academy Gateway won 38-6 on September 26 and 44-34 on November 16. AZ Compass Prep defeated El Dorado 42-0 on October 10.
- Sequoia Pathfinder Verrado Way: Heritage Academy Gateway won 54-14 on October 4, while AZ Compass Prep dominated with a 60-0 win on September 12.
- Southwest Leadership Academy: Heritage Academy Gateway won 1-0 (F) on October 19, while AZ Compass Prep defeated Southwest Leadership 46-14 on August 29.
- Gila Bend: Heritage Academy Gateway won 50-40 on November 1, while AZ Compass Prep won 56-26 on October 3.
Key Players
- Heritage Academy Gateway:
- Stratton Ellsworth: Leading the team with 76.0 rushing yards per game and 10.2 points per game, Ellsworth is a key player on both offense and defense.
- Tyler Lines: While he hasn’t posted impressive passing stats, Lines leads the team with 16.9 passing yards per game and will be crucial in moving the ball downfield.
- AZ Compass Prep:
- Dominic Hawkins: A dual-threat player, Hawkins leads the team in both rushing and receiving yards, contributing 108.7 rushing yards per game and 54.8 receiving yards per game. His 19.8 points per game make him a major factor in the team’s offensive success.
- DJ Johnson: A key defensive player, Johnson leads the team with 6.1 tackles per game and has contributed to the team’s strong defensive performances.
Conclusion
This game is set to be an exciting one, with AZ Compass Prep entering the contest with a perfect record and a potent offense, led by Dominic Hawkins. Heritage Academy Gateway, though a strong team with an impressive record, will rely on their powerful rushing game and the leadership of Stratton Ellsworth to keep pace with AZ Compass Prep’s high-scoring offense. Both teams have shown their ability to dominate opponents, but AZ Compass Prep’s well-rounded attack and defensive prowess may give them the edge in this matchup. However, Heritage Academy Gateway has proven resilient and will certainly bring their best game in what is expected to be a closely contested battle.
